Ideal first-round targets for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2023 NFL draft

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Will Anderson, Jr. - Edge rusher, Alabama

Pros: Production, versatility, high football IQ

Cons: Lacks elite bend in pass rush, struggles with double teams

Conclusion: I believe Will Anderson Jr. is the most complete defensive prospect in the draft. Anderson regularly exhibits good first-step quickness and high motor to pair with disciplined play and excellent instincts. Where Will Anderson could improve at the next level is his versatility between different pass-rushing techniques pre-snap. After a stellar 2021 season, Will Anderson’s production did slow slightly after he attracted more offensive focus. However, that's to be expected, and he still showed great play and proved to be a vital piece to an outstanding Alabama defense. Ultimately the Seahawks should consider themselves fortunate to find a player like Anderson at pick #5, but it's more likely he will be taken before then.

Jalen Carter - Defensive tackle, Georgia

Pros: Size, game tape, potential

Cons: pro-day results, recent off-field tabulation

Conclusion: At the end of February, Jalen Carter might have been the consensus number 1 pick in this year's draft. Watching Carter on film, it is easy to see why his potential is as high as anyone in this year's draft. He posted a 90.0 pass-rush grade by Pro Football Focus last year, and his size at 6-3 320 pounds allows him to not only pressure up the middle but also disengage and tackle ballcarriers for a loss. Recently Carter has slipped due to a down pro day performance and his involvement in a car crash that resulted in the death of his former college teammate. Jalen Carter has pleaded “no-contest” and is not slated to have his NFL career affected by the incident. Due to that, it is widely believed around the league that the Seahawks will take him at pick #5 to fill a significant team need.

Anthony Richardson - Quarterback, Florida

Pros: Athleticism, potential, arm accuracy

Cons: Footwork, pass accuracy, consistency

Conclusion: Anthony Richardson is the perfect “what if” prospect. At 6-4 230 pounds, Richardson showed up to the NFL combine and posted astronomical numbers in athletic measurements and physical measures, highlighted by a 4.44-second 40-yard dash. Richardson is a raw prospect who has a lot of work to do still, in my opinion, to be a starting NFL QB. The good news for the Seahawks is they have a QB on the squad and signed for years to come. With the top two Quarterbacks in CJ Stroud and Bryce Young highly likely to be off the board, Seattle might be the best spot for Richardson to land, and reportedly he had a great draft interview with the Seahawks Staff and Pete Carroll.

Tyree Wilson - Defensive end, Texas Tech

Pros: Strength, potential

Cons: Lack of pass-rush moves

Conclusion: With the right coaching and development, Tyree Wilson has the size and strength to play like a prime Khalil Mack. Unfortunately, at times, it seems like Wilson is a one-trick pony as he relies on his bull rush move in almost every play. With the highest athletic potential out of all edge rushers, NFL scouts have reportedly been eyeing Wilson in the top 5.

Devon Witherspoon - Cornerback, Illinois

Pros: Strength, potential

Cons: Lack of pass-rush moves

Christian Gonzalez - Cornerback, Oregon

Pros: Size and athleticism, discipline

Cons: Aggesiveness, experience

Conclusion: Christian Gonzalez rarely allows chunk passing plays, partly due to his elite speed, athletics, and being highly conservative in coverage. Because of that cautious play, the Oregon corner also lacks big plays and interceptions. Nonetheless, Gonzalez primarily played a deep cover three scheme in college and would fit perfectly into a Pete Carroll defense alongside Tariq Woolen. This scenario for Gonzalez to end up in Seattle depends on the trade down for the Seahawks and where Devon Witherspoon ranks for other teams and Seattle.

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